Saying Goodbye to Norm Abram and his New Yankee Workshop

After 21 seasons on the air bringing woodworking and home improvement education to millions of homes around the country (and around the world), Norm Abram and the crew behind the venerable PBS series The New Yankee Workshop are calling it quits.

I've been following the flood of reader commentary this week on FineWoodworking.com, which reported the story earlier this week after learning the news from Patrick Ramirez, a spokesperson for WGBH Boston, which produces the series.

Abram will continue to appear on the station's sister program This Old House, Ramirez said.

Always a carpenter at heartNorm was best known for his woodworking, but never let fans forget that he started out as a carpenter, following in his father's footstep. According to a 1993 profile in Fine Woodworking magazine, Abram worked for three years as a site supervisor of a large construction firm before going into business for himself in 1976 as a general contractor. He was discovered by This Old House producer Russ Morash a few years later, while working on a project at the producer's home. The rest is history.

Despite his television status, Abram has always been humble about his success: "Master carpenter is a title that Russ gave me," Abram said in the Fine Woodworking interview. "It may be a legitimate title in the theater, but there's no such thing in the construction trade, just a journeyman. But I look at the term as meaning someone who is always trying to improve his skills-who continues to learn with each project-as opposed to one who has reached top level, because there's so much to learn in the field."

We'd love to hear your thoughts. Post a comment below.

UPDATE: Watch this over-the-shoulder video of Norm Abram at Old Sturbridge Village shot by Fine Woodworking associate editor Patrick McComb.

Comments (63)

POMMJOHN writes: G'day
I hope you can help me. on Norms show he always seem to use a steel made clamps for is bench work. I have looked on the net for them with no luck.Are they made by vice grip ???.

JOHN
Posted: 4:43 pm on April 17th

dondorothy writes: Norm and all....I hate to see you leave NYW. For many years, I wanted to send you a picture of an old library desk/table that I thought you would like to reproduce!!! OH well, you will be missed and I hope you will continue to be on This Old House!!!!

Stay well, my friend. Dorothy hand this old man have not missed any of your shows and TOH since 1979. Only seems like yesterday!!!!

Don and Dorothy
Posted: 5:16 pm on January 13th

bjoanne2000 writes: Norm, you have been truely inspirational to me, I am a 58 year old woman, and when I was 40, I watched your show "new yankee workshop" faithfully, also this old house, because of you I felt it was possible to build my own shop, and I did, it took me a year! Then several years later I needed a corner cabinet..prices were ridiculous for some press board crap..700.00 and up! so I went to the lumber yard bought some furniture grade oak plywood, 3/4" and some solid oak 1" planks and 30 days later I had a beautiful corner cabinet, just under 500.00 complete with crown moulding, and recessed lighting and a pair of glass doors! my cabinet looked like a brand new 110 year old piece! Had it not been for you, I never would have attempted these projects!
Thanks Norm for all your encouragement and lessons, there just aren't anymore shows like yours left. I also hope you get bored and start making furniyure on the air again, but until then, enjoy life and every day to the fullest.

Posted: 2:01 pm on February 24th

Ted_M writes: The New Yankee Workshop was one of the very few tv programs that i watched, now i watch one less. Farewell Norm you will be sorely missed.
Posted: 7:02 pm on October 8th

bob329 writes: When my son was little we would watch NYW every week together. Thanks, Norm, for those memories!
Posted: 5:23 pm on January 2nd

ARTWOODWORK writes: I wish Norm The best and can only say Thank You for your inspirational work. watching the New Yankee Workshop instagated a nerve in me that began a lifelong love for woodworking as well as carpentry. The projects that were aired gave me my first insight into construction of fine furniture from scratch and the archeology ,so to speak, of remaking the classics. I will miss the show immensley.
Posted: 9:53 pm on November 3rd

buildingwithpurpose writes: Norm,
Having been a building contractor for the last 20 years in California, I share your passion. I never tire in my quest to grow and improve my techniques and craftmanship. We are bothers and I solute you for revealing to the public some of our passion as we improve the world one project at a time. May god be with you in your next big adventure.
Posted: 3:17 pm on November 1st

chascomp writes: I've gone all the way from being a semi-hack carpenter to a general contractor/carpenter with the help of Norm and This Old House. Thanks for a great ride, you'll be missed.
Posted: 12:30 pm on November 1st

Tbuilder writes: Completely bummed. This is a favorite show of mine even though I had a hard time finding it on TV (I dont have the fancy cable stuff) I watched when I could and learned. Norm you are truly going to be missed along with your expertise. I watch your show when ever I can, even if it is a re-run I all ready have seen, to sharpen my skills by being taught by a true master. Sad to see your inspirational show be put to rest. Thank you, Norm.
Posted: 6:55 pm on October 31st

Larryq writes: Thanks Norm for your expert help over the years. Sorry to see you go but I guess all good things must come to an end. I have enjoyed watching you these many years and never tired of learning from you. Your dad must have been a great teacher. We all thank him for showing you and then us the proper way to build something. You have been an inspiration to doing it right not just to get it done. Thank you again and best of luck.
Posted: 8:41 am on October 29th

tfmdam writes: I've been a This Old House groupie from it's inception. Norm has been one of those individuals one wants to emulate to. I'll miss Norm's quiet and patient manner. I also miss the old Norm and Bob Vila days. I would tape almost every episode. I believe I still have those VHS tapes. What a collection to review.
Posted: 10:34 pm on October 27th

twoodworking writes: Norm,you were an inspiration for me.I really enjoy going into my workshop and building furniture as well as doing odd carpentry jobs for friends and family.When people ask me how I learned how to build furniture, I always say it is because of Norm Abram and the New Yankee Workshop.Also I would like to thank you for selling the project plans for the projects you build on your show,I have many of the plans and have some of the pieces I built proudly displayed in my home.
You will be greatly missed.
Posted: 8:06 pm on October 27th

closeDshoes writes: Holy cow Norm I'm a 55 yr old carpenter (still trying to figure it all out) All ways enjoyed your show and I'm not ashamed to admit I picked up quite a bit from you over the years..I'll pass two thing along to you..a customer said to me one time.."Hey that's just like Norm would do it." and another said "I feel like Norm is here" I regarded both comments as compliments Good Luck to you brother Happy Trails. Wanna go out for a beer after work sometime??( If you're ever in the Philly Pa. area..)
Posted: 6:43 pm on October 27th

woodsmith56 writes: Norm thanks what more can really be said
Posted: 5:37 pm on October 27th

straightcuts writes: I coauthored the first two New Yankee Workshop books with Norm back when the series first got underway. The days I spent with Norm troubleshooting the prototype for each project, talking about woodworking and lots of other topics, and doing mundane tasks like sweeping up sawdust --those were some of my most enjoyable days as a journalist. I learned a lot about woodworking and gained a good friend in the bargain. Despite his celebrity, Norm never lost touch with his roots, and his reverence for tradecraft and respect for others touched everyone he worked with. Thanks Norm, and good luck.
Posted: 1:57 pm on October 27th

screenwriter writes: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL OF THE WONDERFUL TIMES I HAVE HAD LEARNING FROM YOU. MAY YOU LIVE A LONG LIFE AND ALL OF YOUR PEOPLE ENJOY AND LOVE YOU. THANKS NORM!!!
Posted: 1:34 pm on October 27th

screenwriter writes: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL OF THE WONDERFUL TIMES I HAVE HAD LEARNING FROM YOU. MAY YOU LIVE A LONG LIFE AND ALL OF YOUR PEOPLE ENJOY AND LOVE YOU. THANKS NORM!!!
Posted: 1:34 pm on October 27th

aworkinprogress writes: It has but seemed a momoent since Norm Abram has entered into our lives. He has made a difference to all those that aspired to work and create something with nary but a few million tools and a bit of though. We will all greatly miss the great work that he has accomplished in fostering in us an ability to create works that may not of always turned out quite as perfict as on the show , but that were nonetheless beautiful to us..... The very best to you and your family sir..........
Posted: 1:11 pm on October 27th

oneidafarm writes: Norm never made us feel that his projects were to hard. He showed ways to prevent mistakes and when all else failed, how to repair them. We who were not from populated areas of the country learned about new products and applications for them. Norm gave details including measurements and tricks of the trades. Whether he meant to or not, he taught us all. He turned me from a wood butcher to a cabinet maker.
Posted: 9:54 pm on October 26th

kmilder writes: Norm, I've loved your show and I'm sorry to see you leave. Now, can I have your oscillating belt sander? (Just kidding.)

I'm pleased to hear that you'll still be appearing on TOH. Maybe we'll see you do some built-ins. I've learned a lot from the show and have lost count of the number of times that I've said "I saw Norm do that [pick a technique] this way on NYW."

As for showing how mistakes were corrected on NYW, I agree with those who feel a half hour show does not have enough time to dwell on such things. I always assumed, however, that Norm's warnings when applying a specific technique were based on such mistakes. Perhaps Russ Morash will put up a blooper tape on the NYW web page.
Posted: 8:26 pm on October 26th

kmilder writes: Norm, I've loved your show and I'm sorry to see you leave. Now, can I have your oscillating belt sander? (Just kidding.)

I'm pleased to hear that you'll still be appearing on TOH. Maybe we'll see you do some built-ins. I've learned a lot from the show and have lost count of the number of times that I've said "I saw Norm do that [pick a technique] this way on NYW."

As for showing how mistakes were corrected on NYW, I agree with those who feel a half hour show does not have enough time to dwell on such things. I always assumed, however, that Norm's warnings when applying a specific technique were based on such mistakes. Perhaps Russ Morash will put up a blooper tape on the NYW web page.
Posted: 8:26 pm on October 26th

Trebacz writes: Thanks Norm for all the great memories. An era has certainly passed. Just hoping I get to retire someday and put all of those tips I learned over the years to good use... Thanks and God bless you and your family.
Posted: 7:46 pm on October 26th

siffprograms writes: In 1981, we bought a victorian home on the historic register in the middle of a national historic district. It was a wreck that we figured we'd live in for 4-5 years. After 17, we left it, the "best example of shingle style architecture in southwest ohio" according to the architects from Ohio state who used to come by occasionally. My wife and I would never have considered undertaking all the projects to preserve and update our home without the friendly encouragement of New Yankee and the clear guidance of Norm. We were inspired to do it yourself as were our neighbors.

I am now retired and am attacking all manner of fine furniture projects. I learned many of the skills from Norm.

Norm is a national treasure. He should get a presidential medal. But whatever recognition may come, I will picture him sitting comfortably in an englenook by a pleasant fire sketching plans for his next building project. Reward in itself.

Best wishes in your retirement.

Posted: 6:58 pm on October 26th

PitchFinder writes: I started watching The New Yankee Workshop in season one; it seems like a thousand years ago. You helped me build my woodworking skills, helped me decide on a career direction (Architectural Kennel Designer) and even helped me invent and patent a tool for measuring roof pitch–PitchFinder. Saturdays will be forever changed. I wish you God’s blessings.-Craig
Posted: 6:52 pm on October 26th

tej1939 writes: What will I do on Saturday now that my all time favorite show is going out of production? Seriously Norm, I wish you the best and thank you for all that I've learned from you. I've followed your career from 1979 (TOH-Meeting House Hill, Dorchester)and rarely missed an episode of NYW. I recall that a leading WW magazine named Gustave Stickley as the "Most Influential Woodworker of the 20th Century" and Norm Abrams as the same for the 21st Century. A reader from Nebraska took exception to that which in turn caused an avalanche of mail from readers who thought otherwise. It happened to be the greatest response this magazine ever experienced.
Although I'll deeply miss your show, I do want to wish the best for you in the coming years, in whatever you choose to do. BTW, at last count you're still five routers ahead of me. I guess you win. Tom Jordan

Posted: 5:05 pm on October 26th

warrenblack1 writes: Norm,
I have watched faithfully TOH and especially the NEW Yankee Workshop. Long before Tivo my wife taped your shows for me when I was out of town building something somewhere .
I have learned so much from you and your programs and especially New Yankee Wokshop. You will be missed as a mentor and teacher. Your emphasis on excellence and showing us alternate means and methods of accomplishing results has inspired. I havehad many fine teachers in my 67 plus years, but your approaches helped me to exceed beyond my apprenticeship. You showed us too that there is also sailing and fishing and the chance for sharing the acomplished with a party of participants when the day is dine, I wish you fair winds and following seas.
Posted: 4:31 pm on October 26th

black walnut writes: Fair winds and following seas to you always. RCGriffinMD
Posted: 3:47 pm on October 26th

woodchicky writes: I've taped The New Yankee Workshop and the rest of the home improvement lineup for decades. My kids grew up watching what they call "The Hammer Shows" and as toddlers referred to Norm (and Steve and Dean) as if they were characters in their own lives. Many, many ideas, tips and techniques have come from watching NYW over the years and it has fueled my tool addiction - Lee Valley Tools should have given Norm a kickback. Of course I don't have a shop like Norm but I have many tools that the average female recreational woodworker wouldn't have and have even designed & built a new kitchen for my parents' lake house. Woodworking has taken a back place to my career and raising my kids for the last few years but I still faithfully watch "The Hammer Shows" every week and relish the opportunity to spend time in my shop. Thanks Norm!!
Posted: 3:32 pm on October 26th

mallardmillwork writes: Thank you, Norm for all of your hard work over the past 21 seasons. I can honestly say that you planted the seed for my love of the craft. We all wish you the best!

As for the future, I vote for another Bostonian, Thomas MacDonald to take his place. He definitely has both the personality and the skills to carry the torch...

Whit
Posted: 2:49 pm on October 26th

Vonrosie writes: Thank you Norm. "Just like Norm would do it!" has become part of the carpentry lexicon. Enjoy your time off and remember to measure twice and cut once!
Posted: 2:49 pm on October 26th

scottstwrt writes: I hope Norm's like Brett Favre. Can't stand retirement and keeps coming back. DON'T GO NORM. We still need you. I'm a 54 year old carpenter that learns something every time I watch your show. It's the only true show for carpenters and woodworkers. I'll definately miss it. Best of everything to you, friend.
Posted: 2:26 pm on October 26th

toadie69 writes: As all good things must come to an end, so must your show. I know what it means to retire. I'm 65 years old. GOD bless.

Alan
Posted: 2:15 pm on October 26th

jwarb writes: I started life as a Carpenter and Joiner in England. Then I went back to re-train as a teacher. I am retired now in France but will always be grateful to Mr Abram for his television programs. My wife says that even she enjoyed them and hopes that this will give him a laugh.
jwarb.
Posted: 1:49 pm on October 26th

PaulJHanas writes: Norm - I've been a fan for many years and you have inspired me to also do the best capable. I have learned many things watching you and honestly am a little jealous that you work with wood and have enjoy it so much. I've been building furniture and cabinets for 20 years and recently am working on corner cabinets in the craftsman style with cherry the primary wood and wood for details / revails and inlays. I have a small wood shop and wish I had something larger - but have learned that the size of the shop is not as important as enjoying working with wood and visualiing the initial design and the final product. Thanks the all the inspiration and will continue to watch This Old House.
Posted: 12:44 pm on October 26th

thurcab writes: I have been a professional woodworker for 30 years & hobbyist 20 before that. Even though a lot of projects did not pertain to my field, I would always learn new things as well as be entertained. I just love woodworking & building. All the Saturday shows were/are a highlight for me, The Wood Wright Shop, NYW, Hometime, Ask This Old House took some warming up to and TOH started it all. I am greatful.
For other comments about not showing mistakes, we all know that what makes a good cabinet maker is his ability to fix mistakes. Any one can make something, it takes a real pro to fix a screw-up. We do not need to show these, well maybe the fixes. That is reality TV, think HGTV & DIY, not inspiration.
Posted: 12:39 pm on October 26th

MmeEmile writes: I've watched Yankee Workshop and This Old House with my husband for years and will miss YW. There's something very satisfying about watching experts in action, whether they're building a beautiful cupboard, pruning roses, or baking the perfect apple pie. Kudos to Norm for his wonderful projects, clear and concise explanations, and natural TV presence. Thank goodness we'll still see him on TOH!
Posted: 12:26 pm on October 26th

chiswill writes: I enjoyed every minute and learned a lot. Thanks for all the great years and dedication Norm. You'll be missed.
Posted: 12:15 pm on October 26th

ksdj1 writes: What can I say??? For 21 years the New Yankee Workshop was "home" and Norm was "family"! Thank you Norm, may
God bless you and yours!
Posted: 11:58 am on October 26th

Snipper12 writes: Norm has been a great source of inspiration tome as a woodworker for many years. Unfortunately I was not able to receive his show on PBS for many years due to local programming issues but those I had succeeded in taping became my own library of projects. We no longer have wood shop in many of our high schools, and as a result there are fewer teachers that exemplify the love of craft and understanding of how to teach that craft. Norm was that teacher, mentor, friend................. With this closing of "school", we will loose another of our prized "High School Shop Teachers", one who went far beyond a single classroom to teach us all. I will miss him greatly.
Please keep his shows available for down load so his legacy can be passed on for years to come.
Posted: 10:55 am on October 26th

You made me happy while I watched you build your projects and
showed how I could build it too, if I wanted to. I also picked up a lot of good tips for my projects. I enjoyed your field trips too.

Best wishes for the future.

John
Posted: 10:52 am on October 26th

niceguy71653 writes: While I have always enjoyed his shows, and he is a true craftsman, I have always thought of it like a reality show: good tv but not very useful in real life. How many people have a huge workshop, $50,000 worth of tools and a custom finishing shop? How many times on shows did you see him make a mistake, and eveyone makes them, even him.
Posted: 10:29 am on October 26th

rmitch2066 writes: Norm A. did for T.V. do it yourselfer's what Arnold Palmer did for the golf industry. He made it enjoyable and informative to all. Plus he is a pleasure to watch and learn from.
Posted: 10:23 am on October 26th

gogden56 writes: I love to watch Norm build things. He made it look easy. He made 1 and then showed you how he made it by makeing another one. I`m sure that it was a lot of work for him.
Now the Wood Smith has a show, they don`t build anything they talk about methods of woodworking. Its boring!
Posted: 10:15 am on October 26th

Thanks for all the tips you have given me over the years to become a better craftsman. I got into woodworking back in my late 20's and not in my mid 40's, I have had Norm to thank for all the tips of the trade that helped with all my home projects and help I have been able to give others.
I wlll have to look at picking up DVD's of the series!
Posted: 10:13 am on October 26th

TheCloseteur writes: To me, NYW was less a tv show than a state of mind. A place I could escape to for a little while on the weekend and be completely focused on what Norm was teaching. I, like many who've watched the show over the years, could only dream of having a 'man shop' like norm has. All the lessons, all the techniques, and all the cool tools... I still don't have a 'real' dedicated shop, but I have most of the tools, much to the dismay of my wife. Cheers Norm! Live long and prosper.
Posted: 10:06 am on October 26th

hobbyrich writes: Norm
Thanks for all those great shows!I have watched all of them,and some several times.Thanks for all the tips.You saved me at least 50k on a kitchen I built for my wife.Hope you enjoy your retirement.
P.S. Let me know when you clean out your workshop, I will be glad to haul off your old tools for you.

Posted: 10:02 am on October 26th

jagtech writes: I have learned much from Norm and his New Yankee Workshop series over the years. He will be truly missed. But rather than end the series, I think its perhaps time to pass the torch to a younger craftsman now, maybe even build a new workshop (so Norm can keep his!) and continue teaching all of us how to be better carpenters.
Posted: 10:00 am on October 26th

TN_Architect writes: Wow! We all knew this day would eventually come, but now that it has arrived, it is a bitter pill to swallow. Having followed the program for all of its 21 years, I have learned much from Norm, and consider him my mentor even though I have not been fortunate enough to meet him in person. Between New Yankee Workshop and This Old House, I have learned many lessons in the construction and woodworking trades. Thank you Norm, Russell and WGBH Boston for the GREAT run.

I look forward to the re-runs in syndication.
Posted: 9:56 am on October 26th

NormaP writes: Thanks Norm for all the years. You will be greatly missed
Posted: 9:48 am on October 26th

1432 writes: Thanks Norm for all the enjoyable time I've spent watching your show.
Posted: 9:05 am on October 26th

owhawk writes: I can't help but agree with those who point out that the point of NYW was to show how to DO a project in a half an hour (or additional installments for some of the more complex undertakings) without dwelling on what went wrong. If you pay attention, follow Norm's leads and plans, not much goes wrong, except when the woodworker makes the mistake. As he said so many times, doing something deliberately and with care eliminates most stupid mistakes. We all make them from time to time, but they're our mistakes and it wasn't the job of NYW to anticipate them and show us how to fix them; that's our job and it's where we learn to depend on ourselves and our creativity. Norm has done what he does best: be clear, careful and concise, show the way, and expand our horizons and knowledge. For all of that, and it is considerable, I will miss Saturday afternoon with Norm on NYW. I'm so glad he'll be on TOH and Ask. Thanks for giving us a target, Norm; you're one of a kind.
Posted: 8:58 am on October 26th

CurDog writes: Thanks Norm. You have been like a friend. Albeit a friend who owns every power tool and gadget imaginable. You taught me a lot. Best of luck as you go forward.
Posted: 8:07 am on October 26th

Dreamcatcher writes: When clients ask me if I like Norm Abram I always reply "Norm who?"
Posted: 7:37 am on October 26th

almostretired writes: I have been an avid viewer of NYW. I have seen other instructional woodworking programs and I think that NYW is by far the best. I don't feel that it is important to show mistakes. A half hour is not much time to document the construction and finishing of some of the pieces that have been on NYW. I would rather see the time spent on teaching how and what to do rather than how and what not to do. I'm a trim carpenter who also builds cabinets and other built ins, but I've still found some of Norm's projects useful and informative. Sometimes a technique he uses is better than the one I may be using. One particular aspect of the editing of NYW which I liked was the fact that when a repetitive step or cut was required, only the first one was shown. Every other DIY program I've seen will show the entire series of identical cuts. NYW was a well produced show and I'll miss it.
Posted: 7:30 am on October 26th

Jercarp writes: I agree with Axlp, it would have been nice to see the "other side" of the world of building & contracting. However, they only had a half hour each week to schedule in all the many things that were going on, and the show was produced to be more of a "can do" presentation. It was also geared toward the general populous of homeowners, showing them ideas and possibilities, and not towards the much smaller world of the general contractor or tradesman and their own particular needs and problems. Don't get me wrong...I, as a carpenter-contractor, was able to glean from the show many hours of new ideas & techniques over the years.
The last point is, (and I'm fairly certain I'm not wrong here), Norm had little to do with the content, direction, and flow of the show, and what ended up on the cutting room floor. That's ultimately the editor's and director's job. I'm sure he had input because of his vast celebrity and skill, but the decision to not show screw-ups and keep the show on a "here's what we choose to do and how it's done" level was not his.

I stopped watching the show some years back because it so paralleled my own life, and after 30 years of working on houses old and new, I would rather read a book or go for a good walk.
Posted: 6:42 am on October 26th

AZContractor writes: Norm was a construction trade professional that did what he loved to do. His attention to detail, pride in the finished product's quality, and not looking for shortcuts to maximize the profit on a job, was the way it is supposed to be done! Norm, not only showed these traits to the 'Do it your self people', but also to an up and coming crop of tradesmen that are not getting the mentoring that shows pride in one's craft. If all construction journeyman would pass these same traits on to their apprentices then there wouldn't be so many complaints against young contractors from their clients and their state of registrar's offices.
So, I thank you Norm for all of the years on both TOH and the YW for always taking the time to be considerate of all who watch and might learn from your kind input. I know as a construction professional of over 30 years - I'll keep watching - even if they are reruns. Because you never stop learning. Good luck in all of your future enterprises and may God Bless!
Posted: 3:02 am on October 26th

Jotter writes: Great show, always informative and entertaining. I never watched the show expecting a "reality show" highlighting fake altercations, planned mistakes and unrealistic unfortunate circumstances. Instead I watched the show to be entertained and tutored in a trade that I both respect and love.
Thank you Norm
Posted: 10:33 pm on October 24th

I can't believe that Norm will be gone. I watched his show for many years and learned so much from him. He is a hero around my house and I have all his books.

Well done Norm and all the best

May God Bless you and your family in the years to come.

Take Care!

Posted: 4:36 pm on October 23rd

budmont writes: I'm speechless! I can’t believe Norm is moving on. I watch him every Tuesday night on WLIW at 10:30 pm. Sometime I’d watch him on Thursday night even though it was a repeat of Tuesday. I learned a lot from watching him not to mention the enjoyment of watching him work. Norm will be missed, I wish him all the best!
Posted: 3:04 pm on October 23rd

SteveDaigle writes: Norm, you're the best! Thanks for a long-running, very informative and distinctive show. I've been a fan since the early 80's when you were the carpenter on channel 2's "This Old House". I actually met you the Boston Home Show... TOH built a high energy efficient home in the middle of the show (Bob was a no-show). There's so much crap on TV and great programming like TOH and New Yankee Workshop help to level the bar (nice pun eh?). As a "do-it-youselfer", I can't tell you how many hours your "how-to" episodes have saved me between TOH and New Yankee Workshop. I am grateful to you for sharing your craft so openly. Please keep up your presence on the tube.
Posted: 2:21 pm on October 23rd

type79 writes: I agree with your point. For myself, during the learning process, I learn as much, if not more, solving unforeseen problems and correcting mistakes, than watch someone assemble something that has had all of the problems ironed-out off-camera.
Posted: 1:43 pm on October 23rd

Axlp writes: Norm Abram certainly deserves credit for bringing carpentry to mainstream television and allowing all of us to be proud
of what we do. But for Norm's final episodes I would love to see a "humble" Norm show the clips of his work that never made it to the air. Show the clips where Norm's truck won't start and he's 45 minutes late for a meeting. How about where he cuts an expensive piece of crown molding an inch short and can't find another piece anywhere. Where is the show where Norm has to tell a homeowner their project budget just went out the window due to unforeseen circumstances and the homeowner goes ballistic? Norm would have helped us all out a little by showing some of the difficulties of our trade rather than painting a rosie picture for every situation. Norm, you're the best, but for the sake of the rest of us, keep it real.
Posted: 9:41 am on October 23rd